Montreal has always been a city of contradictions. Its long, freezing winters and short, feverish summers breed a kind of restlessness that seeps into everything, from the art to the nightlife to the people. For Rough Gentlemen, that contrast is the pulse behind their sound.
“Montreal is a city of contrasts, cold winters and hot summers,” says Jessy. “That duality definitely finds its way into our music and in our band name. You can’t live here without being shaped by it, the bilingual chaos, the late-night bars, the events everywhere. We’ve always wanted our songs to have that same energy, raw, emotional, and a little unpredictable, just like Montreal.”
Even the band’s name feels like a reflection of that tension between polish and grit. Rough Gentlemen sounds like something between a challenge and a wink. “When we first started, Rough Gentlemen was kind of a mission statement,” says John. “It was about balance. We loved the idea of being sharp-dressed but dangerous, refined but raw. Over time, it’s become more than just an image, it’s who we are as people and musicians. There’s a vulnerability behind the attitude now that we are rocking dads. The name reminds us that you can hit hard and still have heart.”
The band’s music walks that same line, swagger with substance, charm with edge. They’ve drawn comparisons to Arctic Monkeys and Queens of the Stone Age, but they wear those influences like inspiration, not imitation. “We take those comparisons as huge compliments,” says John. “Arctic Monkeys and Queens of the Stone Age are exactly what we aim for musically. But for us, it’s never about copying a sound. It’s about channelling that same spirit, the swagger, the tension, the rhythm and the sexiness. Our influences are a starting point, but Montreal, our stories, and our chemistry turn it into something that feels like us.”
That chemistry bursts through songs like El Diablo and Black Gold, both brimming with a mix of danger and groove. “We always try to create a world with each song, one that feels cinematic,” says Kevin. “El Diablo was meant to be an ode to indie punk rock like The Hives, with a twist of humour being the clip with the luchador persona. Black Gold was our take on politics and the fact that the past decade feels more chaotic than usual. We also like that it could sound like an NHL track! We love when a song feels like it’s about to explode but keeps you hooked in the rhythm. It’s about that sweet spot where danger meets desire.”
That edge carries over into the band’s live shows, where their energy feels untamed. “Our live shows are the heart of what we do,” says Jessy. “There’s something about feeding off a crowd, it’s primal. But in the studio, that’s where the magic happens. We record as live as possible and we keep the imperfections. You can’t fake energy, if it doesn’t feel alive in the room, it won’t feel alive in the speakers.”
For Charlie, it’s the adrenaline of performance that keeps the band pushing forward. “There’s nothing like staring into the eyes of the crowd in a packed, sweaty venue, that’s where you really connect. But there’s also something amazing and overwhelming about commanding a huge stage and seeing a sea of people move with you. Both are addictive in different ways. We grew up in small venues, so that intimacy will always feel like home, but the big stages push us to rise to the occasion.”
Their style and attitude have also caught the attention of brands that share that same spirit. “All three represent attitude, authenticity, and rebellion, things we identify with,” says Kevin, talking about their collaborations with Jack & Jones, Harley-Davidson, and CHOM 97.7. “We don’t do brand deals just to do them; we do them when they fit our DNA. Whether it’s fashion, motorcycles, or rock radio, it’s all part of the same culture, confidence with an edge.”
Still, their biggest influence remains the city that raised them. Montreal’s rock scene is both scrappy and ambitious, a mix of DIY grit and artistic daring. “I think Montreal’s rock scene is a beast on its own,” says Kevin. “There’s this incredible mix of grit and artistry. Bands like The Damn Truth, Arcade Fire, Sam Roberts, Men I Trust, and Half Moon Run really showed us that it’s possible to carve your own lane here.”
Charlie adds, “We actually recorded our first EP with Dave Traina from The Damn Truth, and he helped us a lot, both musically and in understanding what it means to be a real working band in this city. The English rock scene in Montreal is definitely more DIY unless you break into the big leagues, which is exactly what we’re aiming for. There’s a place for us out there, and we’re going to take it.”
That drive clicked into place at a show that became a turning point for the band. “Probably our EP release in 2017,” recalls John. “It was at a venue called Le Repaire. We filled the place over capacity to the point that we didn’t even start our set and the bar was sold out on beer. The crowd was wild but in a fun, energetic and participating kind of way. I’ll even add the precise moment when the crowd was singing over our hook so loud that we didn’t even need to sing. After that night, we knew who we were and what we wanted to chase. That feeling hasn’t left since.”
Watch the brand new video for Jaguar below:
Now, the band is deep into new material, and the creative spark feels sharper than ever. “It’s the same fire, but a different kind of burn type of thing,” says John. “The new material is more mature, more professional, our writing is definitely a step above our old songs and we are way more united in the songwriting process. Jaguar is definitely a reflection of that and we are really excited for our next release afterward. We neglected releasing songs in the past because we focused so much more on gigs, now it’s the other way around. We’re planning on more songs for our fanbase and selected gigs.”
For Rough Gentlemen, everything comes down to the balance that’s built into their name. They’re sharp and soulful, grounded yet explosive, carrying that Montreal grit wherever they go. Their sound hits with force but stays human, beating with heart beneath the volume.
Rough Gentlemen will headline Bar l’Escogriffe in Montreal on April 11th with support from Black Magic.
Jaguar is out today!
